Three-dimensional morphological characteristics of basal nuclei in children aged 3 or 4 / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: There are many studies on the morphology of basal nuclei of adult brain based on various imaging methods, but little is reported on the three-dimensional reconstruction measurement of basal nucleus morphology in children aged 3 or 4. OBJECTIVE: To establish a three-dimensional model of the basal nucleus in children aged 3 or 4 years relative to other age groups in order to explore the morphological basis for the neurodevelopment of the basal nucleus. METHODS: Fifteen cadavers of 3 or 4 years old children were selected and the basal nucleus was cut by thin layer. The image data set with accurate segmentation of its main structure was then completed. The cross sections of the main structures were analyzed, the diameter and angle of the related structures were measured in a specific section, and the differences between the sides were compared. The original data were re-sampled to establish a three-dimensional coordinate system of the basal nucleus. The morphological size of the main structure of the basal nucleus was measured, the anatomical identification was clearly identified, and the spatial information was quantified. Model and the public reference system were established. The base nucleus structures were presented three-dimensionally and dyed in different colors. The boundary between the structures was clearly displayed, and the internal structure was observed by rotating and cutting at any angle. The study protocol was implemented in line with the relevant ethical requirements of Inner Mongolia Medical University. Specimens were donated voluntarily, and children’s guardians signed informed consents. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The reconstructed three-dimensional model could show the basal nucleus, and could be used to measure the volume of the basal nucleus and the related parameters of meridians. There was no significant difference between the sides of the reconstructed model. (2) The reconstructed three-dimensional structure could be rotated at any angle and at different speeds, and the corresponding scaling and transparent processing could be carried out to make the reconstructed structure image more realistic and realistic. In children aged 3 or 4, the reconstruction of the basal nucleus based on volume rendering can provide the morphological basis for stereotactic neuronavigation surgery as well as the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy.